Development of absorption refrigeration units for cold storage of agricultural products

Abstract To meet the requirements of continuous refrigeration installations, powered by low-grade heat sources, e.g. waste heat, flat-plate solar collectors or solar ponds, and providing cooling or refrigeration at subzero (°C) temperatures, rational selection of suitable refrigerant-absorbent pairs is necessary. It is demonstrated that the use of R22 and suitable organic solvent systems is desirable in absorption refrigeration installations. Since no data were available on the vapour-liquid equilibria of these combinations, they were measured over a broad range of pressures, temperatures and concentrations. A rational selection of the optimal combinations was made using results obtained from a computerized simulation model giving the performance characteristics of a specific refrigeration system operating with selected refrigerant-absorbent combinations. An efficient thermodynamic cycle has been constructed for the chosen refrigerant-absorbent pairs. Within the region of feasible operation of the cycle, optimal operating conditions are determined. In selecting these conditions it is also necessary to take into account the heat transferred in the heat exchangers of the unit and the operating stability. On the basis of the research performed a 15 ton refrigeration prototype unit for the storage of agricultural products has been constructed and is in the final stages of being run in. It operates at a coil temperature of −3°C and maintains the storage chamber at 5°C. Hot water is supplied at 95–98°C, and cooling water is provided at 26°C.